Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Booking
Ride one of the world's highest cable cars - Phase 1 to Kongdori and Phase 2 to the Apharwat peak at 3,979 m. Everything you need on prices, timings and planning your Gulmarg Gondola day.
Starting From
₹740 (Phase 1)
The Gulmarg Gondola is the crown jewel of any Gulmarg visit - one of the highest cable-car rides in the world, carrying you from the meadow up towards the Apharwat peak at nearly 4,000 metres. It runs in two stages: Phase 1 to Kongdori, and Phase 2 from Kongdori up to Apharwat, the launch point for skiing in winter and jaw-dropping snow views year-round. On a clear day the panorama across the Pir Panjal is unforgettable.
Via Kashmir helps you plan your Gulmarg Gondola day - the ticket prices for each phase, the timings, how to avoid the long queues, and how to pair it with a Gulmarg stay so you ride early before the Srinagar day-trippers arrive. This page covers the two phases, prices, best time to go, what to wear, and the questions travellers ask us most.
At a glance
Two phases - Phase 1 to Kongdori, Phase 2 to Apharwat (3,979 m) • Among the world's highest cable cars • Phase 1 from ~₹740, Phase 2 from ~₹1,000 • Skiing and snow views at the top • Long queues in peak season - go early • Dress very warm.
The two phases of the Gulmarg Gondola
Phase 1 - Gulmarg to Kongdori (~3,050 m)
The first stage rises from the Gulmarg meadow to Kongdori, a broad basin surrounded by peaks. In winter it is a hub of snow activity - skiing, sledging and snow play; in summer it is green meadow with valley views. Many families are perfectly happy stopping at Phase 1.
Phase 2 - Kongdori to Apharwat (~3,979 m)
The second stage climbs from Kongdori to near the Apharwat peak, close to 4,000 metres. This is where serious skiers start their descents and where the snow lies deep for much of the year. The views from the top are the highlight of the whole trip - but the altitude and cold are real, so dress accordingly.
Gulmarg Gondola ticket prices and timings (2026)
Gondola tickets are priced per phase and are booked at the Gondola station (online slots are sometimes available). The indicative per-person prices below are for the 2026 season; children and additional services (like a chairlift beyond Phase 2) are priced separately.
Indicative Gulmarg Gondola prices (per person)
Timings and queues
The Gondola generally runs from morning to late afternoon, weather permitting. In peak season (summer and the December-February ski period) queues can be very long. The single best tip is to arrive early - ideally staying overnight in Gulmarg so you are at the station when it opens.
Best time to ride the Gondola
- Go early in the day - the first rides beat the crowds and often have the clearest skies.
- Winter (December-February) for deep snow, skiing and a white wonderland.
- Summer for green meadows below and snow still capping Apharwat.
- Avoid cloudy afternoons - Phase 2 can close and views vanish in mist.
Weather can pause the ride
High wind or heavy cloud can suspend Phase 2 (and occasionally Phase 1) at short notice. Keep your Gondola day flexible and, if you can, allow a second morning in Gulmarg as a backup.
What to wear and know before you go
- Dress in very warm layers - the top is near 4,000 m and bitterly cold even in summer.
- Waterproof shoes with grip; the snow can be slushy or icy.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen - the glare off the snow is intense.
- Snow gear (jackets, boots, gum-boots) can be rented at Gulmarg if you don't have your own.
- Take altitude gently at Phase 2, especially if you feel breathless.
Plan your Gulmarg Gondola day
The smoothest way to do the Gondola is to stay overnight in Gulmarg and be at the station early, rather than day-tripping from Srinagar and arriving to a long queue. Pair a Gulmarg hotel with a cab from Srinagar and you have a relaxed, well-timed Gondola day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Gulmarg Gondola tickets?
Gondola tickets are priced per phase: Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdori) is about ₹740-₹800 per person, and Phase 2 (Kongdori to Apharwat) about ₹1,000-₹1,100. A seasonal chairlift on the Kongdori side costs extra. Children and add-ons are priced separately.
What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Gondola?
Phase 1 goes from the Gulmarg meadow to Kongdori (~3,050 m), a hub for snow play and family visits. Phase 2 climbs from Kongdori to near the Apharwat peak (~3,979 m), where serious skiing happens and the views are the highlight. The altitude and cold at Phase 2 are significant.
How do I avoid the Gondola queues?
Arrive early - the first rides of the day beat the crowds and usually have the clearest skies. The best approach is to stay overnight in Gulmarg so you're at the station when it opens, rather than day-tripping from Srinagar.
What are the Gulmarg Gondola timings?
The Gondola generally runs from morning to late afternoon, weather permitting. High wind or heavy cloud can suspend Phase 2 (and occasionally Phase 1) at short notice, so keep the day flexible.
What should I wear for the Gulmarg Gondola?
Very warm layers - the top is near 4,000 m and bitterly cold even in summer. Add waterproof shoes with grip, sunglasses and sunscreen for the snow glare. Snow gear can be rented in Gulmarg if you don't have your own.
Plan your Gulmarg Gondola day
We'll pair a Gulmarg stay and a cab so you ride early and skip the queues - tell us your dates.